7 1/4" x 12 1/4", April 16, 1861. "Democratic Messenger, EXTRA, Fremont (Ohio), Wednesday 2 o'clock, P.M. Broadside Extra issued shortly after the attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. The extra reports on early Union soldier recruiting, as well as forces being built by the South. The first column has content such as "VOLUNTEERS! There will be a meeting tonight at BUCKETE HALL, for the purpose of answering the call of the Government for volunteers. Turn Out! Turn Out!! Turn Out!!!". The second column has important information from Richmond dated April 16th regarding secession, which reads : "Richmond, Va., Richmond, Va., April 16.-The Convention is still in secret session. Nothing has transpired. The current belief is that the ordinance of secession has passed the Convention. The Governor withholds his proclamation until the action of the convention is divulged". On April 17 the Virginia State Convention 88 to 55 to adopt the Ordinance of Secession, which repealed the 1788 ratification. The second column also includes news from Alabama, reading in part...."Gen. Pillow guarantees to raise 10,000 men in Tennessee in 20 days if President Davis will accept them and there is not doubt but that he will....". The Extra continues with fantastic early war recruiting, on both sides.

Light toning throughout. Minor loss in first column and at the lower right edge. Th piece has been rice paper backed for stability.